What to do in England, events, ideas for the weekend, places to go

De Vere Hotels

2005-11-18T00:58:00.000-08:00

The long weekends of Easter and Spring provide the perfect opportunity for you and your partner to enjoy an extra special break away. When it comes to spending some quality time together, where better than a De Vere Hotel? Each one offers quality without compromise and is characterised by superb cuisine, superior service and outstanding leisure facilities. And as they're set in some of the UK's most breathtaking locations, they offer a fantastic base for those who love nothing better than escaping to the great outdoors, or taking in the fresh sea air of the South Coast.

Treat yourself and your family to an Easter break at a De Vere Hotel or relax and enjoy special packages including Easter egg hunts, champagne receptions and much more.

You can be sure we have something for everyone at Easter.

Stately Holiday Homes - houses, cottages and apartments in historic and rural settings

2005-11-13T00:49:00.000-08:00

Stately Holiday Homes - houses, cottages and apartments in historic and rural settings ever dreamed of staying in an English country stately home for a holiday. Imagine having the free roam of stunning stately rooms and four poster beds, access to hundreds of acres of park land, all to yourself? Well, it is possible now with Stately Homes Ltd.

Christmas in Birmingham 2005

2005-10-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Christmas in Birmingham 2005: "Christmas Lights Switch On
Millennium Point
Saturday 12 November
3.30pm – 7.30pm, Switch On at 7.30pm
Supported by 100.7 Heart fm and Birmingham Mail

Frankfurt Christmas Market
Victoria Square and New Street
Thursday 17 November – Friday 23 December
10am – 8pm, daily
Supported by BRMB and Birmingham Mail

The BMI Baby Birmingham Christmas Grotto
Chamberlain Square
Saturday 19 November – Saturday 24 December
Weekdays: 11am – 6pm from 19 Nov – 22 Dec
Weekends and 23 and 24 Dec 10am – 8pm
Sponsored by BMI Baby, the Mall Pallasades, Pavilion Central, House of Fraser, Bullring, Martineau Place, Mailbox, Tesco and Centro.
Supported by BRMB and Birmingham Mail

Canal Boat Light Parade
Canal side – NIA to the Mailbox
Sunday 20 November
5pm – 6pm
Supported by BBC WM and Birmingham Mail

City Plaza Pantomime Horse Grand National
Edgbaston Street
Sunday 4 December 1 – 5pm
Supported by 100.7 Heart fm and Birmingham Mail

Bullring Christmas Reindeer and Lantern Parade
Bullring to Brindleyplace
Sunday 11 December
5pm – 6.30pm
Supported by 100.7 Heart fm and Birmingham Mail"

Yuletide York - Christmas 2005

2005-10-25T00:59:00.000-07:00

Yuletide York - Christmas 2005: "York is magical at Christmas time with its cobbled streets and snickleways, welcoming inns and restaurants and its candlelit churches. Christmas events around the city are diverse and offer something for everyone. If you're in need of some retail therapy, enjoy an excellent variety of quality shops in York's historic streets and bustling market place or combine your visit to one of York's three out-of-town shopping parks featuring the best in designer clothing and high street names.

New to York in 2005, the city will host a Children’s Christmas Fayre from 18-20 November 2005. Coinciding with the national Children In Need charity campaign, York promises a range of stalls and entertainment especially arranged for Children.

York boasts some of the best specialist markets in the country, starting with St Nicholas Fayre from 24 - 27 November 2005. This four day Fayre across the city offers an array of markets ranging from gifts, craft and medieval goods, to the best in local food produce. Newgate Market is open 7 days a week and the city centre will fill up with more market stalls every weekend leading up to Christmas.

The enchanting Festival of Angels will take place in The Quarter on 10 - 11 December - experience a winter wonderland of ice sculptures, snow and a true festival atmosphere. York's venues, museums, theatres and churches come alive throughout the season with a variety of festivities along with the city's many cafés, pubs and restaurants - bringing Christmas cheer to everyone. Check out the ‘Christmas Festivities’ pages for more information."

Funky and Festive: Christmas at Fabric - londonlaunch.com - Corporate and Private Event Management for London

2005-10-25T00:58:00.000-07:00

Funky and Festive: Christmas at Fabric - londonlaunch.com - Corporate and Private Event Management for London: "Conveniently located in Farringdon (ideal for access from both the City & the West End), Fabric offers a spectacular setting for events & entertainment. The venue occupies the space of the former Metropolitan Cold Stores: an impressive network of brick, glass and metal rooms & areas – all boasting state of the art of sound & lighting equipment.

With its five bars, three sound systems (including a “body sonic” dance floor), stages & screens + an exclusive VIP mezzanine, Fabric will offer the coolest, funkiest Xmas parties this year.

Classic Package Includes:

* £75 + VAT per person
* Champagne reception
* Selection of hot & cold gourmet canapés
* Unlimited bar, including beer, wine & soft drinks
* DJ

Using this as a template, we are happy to tailor-make packages to suit your specific requirements (we can arrange themed parties, buffet menus, additional entertainers, luxury bar packages etc). From a red carpet welcome to a cab service from the venue, our hospitality team will look after absolutely every aspect of the party. "

BBC - Lincolnshire Places - The 24th Lincoln Christmas Market

2005-10-25T00:57:00.000-07:00

BBC - Lincolnshire Places - The 24th Lincoln Christmas Market: "It all started 23 years ago with the first Lincoln Christmas Market in 1982 being a somewhat modest affair by today's standard.
The Lincoln Christmas Market

INTERNET LINKS

Lincoln City website

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
HAVE YOUR SAY

Have you got some advice for anyone going to the Christmas Market?

Have your say, e-mail lincolnshire@bbc.co.uk
SEE ALSO

Pictures from previous Lincoln Christmas Markets

Lincoln Christmas Market survival guide

Lincoln Christmas Market Webcam

From those days of a few stalls in Castle Square the market now takes over most of the Cathedral Quarter of Lincoln. In fact, there were just 14 stalls there compared to the 300 plus now.

For some it's the most important event in the City's calendar as it brings over 150,000 visitors to Lincoln. These visitors often return at other time in the year when they realise what Lincoln has to offer."

Large Holiday Homes in Scotland - Quality self catering accommodation throughout Scotland UK for large and small group holidays.

2005-10-25T00:21:00.000-07:00

Large Holiday Homes in Scotland - Quality self catering accommodation throughout Scotland UK for large and small group holidays.: "LHH Scotland was formed in 1993 from humble beginnings when we chose to enter the self catering market by making our own large house available for holiday rentals. Our success quickly led to us into helping other holiday home owners find rentals for their cottages, but more often for their large holiday houses. So in 1997 LHH Ltd was born. We decided to specialise by offering only high quality accommodation in large holiday homes, for this very select type of property.

Today we have a large selection of hand picked quality large holiday homes in our portfolio - including fully catered Castles, yes we have several castles, estate lodges, and a wide choice of country cottages, farmhouse and mansion houses, spread the length and breadth of Scotland, in breathtaking locations unequalled in the UK.

There are those mansions designed for a more luxurious living experience in splendid surroundings... and others, sometimes equally spacious but more appropriately furnished for the casual self catering family holiday. Whichever you choose, a Large Holiday House is superb value for money, especially when shared between two or more heads of families or amongst friends."

Holiday Homes in Scotland UK - Self Catering cottages in Scotland

2005-10-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

Holiday Homes in Scotland UK - Self Catering cottages in Scotland: "Our accommodation portfolio includes some of the best Scottish self catering cottages, lodges, apartments, crofts and farmhouses in the best scenic locations and holiday resorts in Scotland, whether it be secluded glens, Loch-side, mountain locations or city apartments. Whatever your preference, you will find your dream holiday cottage in our portfolio. For ease of use, the website is organised into popular categories and our clickable map of Scotland lets you find quickly what you are looking for in your preferred location. Pet owners will be thrilled by our collection of pet friendly cottages; likewise for fishing holidays, honeymoon couples, birdwatchers and more."

Guide to Scottish Holiday Cottages

2005-10-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

Scottish Cottage Holidays is a great site covering the whole of Scotland.

Scottish adventure

2005-10-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

Scottish adventure: "The Grey House is a self-catering cottage available for rent in the North West Highlands of Scotland. This ancient and romantic house provides a high standard of modern comfort; good drying facilities, central heating as well as having easy accessability to the shopping, good food, (including vegetarian) and the nightlife of Ullapool. The views and scenery are magical. If you enter the site, in the subsections please read the text first and then click on the small pictures (which may take some time to load) to get larger more detailed versions."

Wilderness Cottages Scotland UK : Self catering cottage holiday home rentals

2005-10-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

Wilderness Cottages Scotland UK : Self catering cottage holiday home rentals: "Our quality self catering holiday cottages are situated in the naturally beautiful and undiscovered area of Scotland, just east of Loch Ness, known as Stratherrick, a region that stretches from Dores at the northern end of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus at the southernmost tip of the loch. This area of Scotland has been described as the Inverness “Lake District”, so numerous are the lochs and lochans in this region of the Highlands of Scotland.

We also now have several cottages on the north west side at Drumnadrochit, Lewiston and Fort Augustus. See our Map of Loch Ness. You will see our cottages all around Loch Ness. The location in the Scottish Highlands is excellent for touring northern Scotland and the West Coast, the Isle of Skye just 90 minutes away."

YHA budget youth hostel hostels accommodation UK England and Wales for the backpacker, family or group

2005-10-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

YHA budget youth hostel hostels accommodation UK England and Wales for the backpacker, family or group youth hostels are an excellent way to see the UK. There are some superb hostels in wonderful locations, check out their site for more details.

Hen Party Hen Weekend

2005-10-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hen Party Hen Weekend: "Organising a Hen Weekend and Hen Night? Check out thousands of UK Hen Night and Hen Weekend ideas.

You only get one Hen Night so make it memorable. The best Hen Night Hotels, Hen weekend destinations, where's hot and where's not. The ultimate guide to having the time of your life and a memorable Hen Weekend for all the right reasons. Your Hen Night is your last night of freedom so make it go with a bang, why not make it a Hen Weekend instead! Take a look at our carefully selected sites and business."

2005-10-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

Awesome colours in the English Lake District at the moment. Get up there and enjoy the best part of the UK in all its' glory. A lot of the hotels have special offers presently to.

Holiday Cottages Direct for self catering holiday accommodation - Late availability cottage bargains

2005-09-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Holiday Cottages Direct for self catering holiday accommodation - Late availability cottage bargains: "With Late Bargains, choosing a holiday cottage is even easier and quicker than before, because all the holiday cottages in Late Bargains are guaranteed available to book online. Simply choose your cottage on the dates you wish to take your holiday, reserve those dates with your credit card, and Cottages Direct does the rest. Cottages Direct's fast and efficient service ensures that you will be quickly informed that your holiday cottage reservation is confirmed by email, giving you peace of mind that your Late Bargains holiday cottage will be prepared and ready for your arrival. Cottages Direct is designed to give you, the holiday cottage booker, great choice and outstanding value for money. Late Bargains is always live and constantly updated, providing you with the most up-to-date information about holiday cottage availability"

Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky

2005-08-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky: "For those who like to flex their muscles there's a new Speyside Sporting Quiz to enter. The more musically inclined will want to tune in to the Single Malt & Song Society, an American group of whisky lovers who hit the high notes at the sight of a dram. Well worth singing about are Aberlour's latest gold awards. On-line members will want to make sure they receive their interest-packed summer edition of the 'Mouth of the Lour'. And there's a very tempting question awaiting you in the Voting Booth."

20th Anniversary Year of the Bristol International Festival of Kites and Air Creations Home Page

2005-08-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Free International Kite Festival at Bristol. Somes Awesome.

Urbis Manchester England

2005-08-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

Urbis: "Urbis explores urban culture and the cities of today and tomorrow, with unique exhibitions, events, family activities and free interactive exhibits. "

2005-08-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

Larch Cottage Nurseries, Melkinthorpe, Cumbria. A haven for garden enthusiasts and gastromes alike.

Helicopter Pleasure Flights

2005-08-16T00:59:00.000-07:00

Helicopter Pleasure Flights around London from only �145.

Activity Gift Vouchers: Experience and Adventure Gift Ideas for Men and Women

2005-08-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

Activity Gift Vouchers: Experience and Adventure Gift Ideas for Men and Women: "We at Into the Blue certainly know how to offer thrills - our sister company has been organising the world-renowned Biggin Hill Air Show since 1963. Nowadays, we all seek new experiences and adrenalin rushes, which is why we are here! Our knowledgeable and experienced customer service team is on hand to assist with all queries - many of them have tried out the activity days themselves, so we are much much more than just an internet shopping site.
In fact, we are so confident of our customer service that we offer a seven-day no-quibble refund, and if your loved one really doesn't fancy the activity you have chosen we are happy to exchange their gift experience. Combine all this with a permanently competitive pricing policy, as well as regular seasonal offers and it really is time to live life a little and go for it!"

UK Hotel Accommodation and travel information

2005-08-06T23:43:00.000-07:00

Britain Express is a vast source for planning a holiday in the UK - the online source for UK hotel accommodation and travel information - all you need to know about places to stay and places to visit in England, Scotland, and Wales."

Traditional Autumn Events in England

2005-08-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

Visit this site for some traditional events in September October and November in the UK such as the Blackpool Illuminations, Oyster Proclomation and rush bearing.

whatsonwhen.com - global events guide

2005-07-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

whatsonwhen.com - global events guide: "If it's history and culture you want, then this corner of the British Isles certainly has more than its share.

From the Romans, Vikings and the Industrial Revolution to Churchill, the Royal Family and the Beckhams (another type of royal), England's special idiosyncrasy and vibrant diversity make it a wonderful place to visit.

Amongst its many jewels England boasts one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world as well as urban centres such as Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle - all Meccas for the arts, music and sports.

On the other hand, if you're after something more rural, this green and pleasant land holds yet more riches - from the peaceful Norfolk Broads and beautiful Devonshire beaches to the breathtaking Lake District and numerous other national parks dotted around the country. And after all that, what could be more relaxing than a nice cup of tea?"

Seahouses & The Farne Islands Northumberland Northumbria England UK GB (page 51)

2005-07-27T00:35:00.000-07:00

Seahouses & The Farne Islands Northumberland Northumbria England UK GB (page 51): "Northumberland has some of the cleanest beaches in England and every major beach has been passed by the Environment Agency for the cleanliness of its water. From north to south, Northumberland's best beaches are:

SPITTAL BEACH: Soft golden sands on the south side of the Tweed estuary at Berwick. Graded 'B' or good for its absence of litter.

BAMBURGH BEACH: Mile upon mile of long, golden sands overlooked by the magnificent Bamburgh Castle. A Rural Seaside Award winner, graded 'B' or good for its absence of litter.

St AIDAN'S BEACH, SEAHOUSES : An arc shaped sandy beach with rocky outcrops and rock pools offering good views of the Farne Islands. A Rural Seaside Award winner.

BEADNELL BAY: A golden, sandy horse-shoe-shaped beach overlooked by sand dunes and a small harbour. This is the only west facing harbour along the length of England's east coast. A Rural Seaside Award winner, graded 'B' or good for its absence of litter.

EMBLETON BAY: Reached from the villages of Low Newton and Embleton, this quiet, sandy bay is overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. A Rural Seaside Award winner, graded 'B' or good for its absence of litter.

ALNMOUTH: Soft, golden sands on the north side of the pretty, red-roofed holiday resort of Alnmouth.

WARKWORTH BEACH: Miles of soft, golden sands backed by an extensive range of dunes, a short drive from the historic village of Warkworth. A Rural Seaside Award winner, graded 'B' or good for its absence of litter.

AMBLE LINKS: An unspoilt beach with occasional rocky pools, sheltered by an extensive range of dunes. A Rural Seaside Award winner, graded 'A' or very good for its absence of litter - the cleanest beach in the County.

DRURIDGE BAY: A long, gently curving sandy beach, best reached from the Druridge Bay Country Park. Graded 'B' or good for its absence of litter. This bay becomes very popular in the summer months"

Alastair Sawday's Special Escapes

2005-07-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

Whether it's a cosy country cottage, a slick city apartment, a hilltop castle or a simple holiday home, you're already close to discovering a self-catering place to stay that will meet - or exceed - your highest expectations.

Your time in your own holiday home is precious; you cannot afford to get it wrong. We have developed, much to our delight, a reputation for being totally trustworthy: a reputation gathered over 10 years of publishing the hugely popular Special Places to Stay series. And, just as importantly, we are known for our ‘taste’. It may not, to the relief of our readers, always be ‘good’ taste in the conventional sense, but it will always be interesting, often magnificent."

Rainow Scarecrow Festival

2005-07-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

Scarecrow festival at Rainow Macclesfield. For the next week there are some extra inhabitants of this Cheshire village. The streets are full of imaginative scarecrows themed around sports. There are teas and cakes served in the village hall every day of the week until 9pm too. If you are coming from Whaley Bridge side, make sure you notice the Charles and Camilla scarecrows which are excellent.

Biddulph Grange, Congleton Cheshire

2005-07-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Close to Macclesfield, Manchester and Stoke and Trent Biddulph Grange is a small stately home kept by the National Trust. The gardens have undergone a comprehensive scheme of rennovations and are back to their former glory. Themed gardens depicting contries such as China and Egypt the areas of the garden are interesing to explore and are immaginatively linked with stone tunnels, man made caves and along the great wall of China.

Make sure you visit the shop and buy some fish food because the lilly ponds at the front of the house are full of huge magnificent carp who will eagerly come and feed almost out of your hand.

The tea rooms are excellent and run like a very traditional quality establishment in the old billiard room. This is a bright and impressive building, even more outstanding though is the selection of cakes!

Cumbria the Lake District

2005-07-13T00:24:00.000-07:00

Great site with information about planning a holiday or short break to the English Lake District. Featuring walks, places to visit and special accommodation in unusual locations.

World66 - Mapsonomy

2005-07-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

World66 - Mapsonomy: "the travel guide
you write"

Manchester city guide and events diary - Virgin Trains

2005-07-07T01:13:00.000-07:00

Virgin Trains have an excellent up to date events guide for the whole of the UK. What to do in the UK including Arts, Classical music, festivals and heritage.

Travel Journals, Travel Blogs, Diaries and Photos

2005-07-01T00:12:00.000-07:00

Travel Blog is a collection of travel journals, diaries, stories and photos from all around the world. The journals are added by real travellers, and recount real experiences and impressions from the places they visit.

Short Break Holidays - Superbreak

2005-06-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

Short Break Holidays - Superbreak: "Short Break holiday bookings with Superbreak. The online hotel directory for UK and European hotel bookings

Find hotels and book short breaks throughout the UK and Europe with Superbreak. With a list of over 2000 hotels in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland in our hotel directory, Superbreak is perfect for booking short break travel. Superbreak feature a great range of airport hotels, including airport parking deals, in additon to over 200 London hotels"

FARM STAY UK quality holiday accommodation bed and breakfast b&b selfcatering self catering cottages

2005-06-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

FARM STAY UK quality holiday accommodation bed and breakfast b&b selfcatering self catering cottages: "The largest network of farm based accommodation in the UK.

Welcome To the Farm Stay experience, where farming families up and down Britain offer you a warm personal welcome and a unique taste of country living at its best.

Farm Stay UK opens the doors to hundreds of properties of character and quality in superb rural settings perfectly placed for country breaks, business trips or longer stays. "

National Trust Cottages (Home)

2005-06-30T05:40:00.001-07:00

National Trust Cottages (Home): "A unique collection of over 320 properties in outstanding locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland."

hiking scotland england wales and ireland - contours walking holidays

2005-06-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

hiking scotland england wales and ireland - contours walking holidays: "Contours Walking Holidays are the specialists in self-guided walking holidays (hiking tours) in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland. Within this web site you'll find an unrivalled range of walking holidays and short breaks along more than sixty trails in Britain ranging from famous routes like Hadrian's Wall Path, West Highland Way, Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk, Cotswold Way, Offa's Dyke Path, Cumbria Way, Pembrokeshire Coast Path or the Dales Way to little-known gems like Northumberland's Coast of Castles, Edge of Wales Walk, Wild Edric's Way, Cotswolds Villages Trail or the Three Castles Walk."

Classic Cottages - Holiday Cottages in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset & Dorset.

2005-06-30T05:36:00.001-07:00

Classic Cottages - Holiday Cottages in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset & Dorset.: "Classic Cottages offer more than 500 top-quality holiday cottages throughout the West Country. From a fisherman's cottage in Cornwall, thatched cottages in Devon, a converted weaver's barn in Somerset or Thomas Hardy's coach house in Dorset - each one of our holiday cottages meets our exacting high standard of accommodation. Explore, search and book on-line"

Good Beach Guide 2005

2005-06-30T05:36:00.000-07:00

Good Beach Guide 2005: "Each year millions of people enjoy the beauty of Britain’s beaches. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Beach Guide will help you to plan your trip to the seaside with information on clean seas and (where available) lifeguard cover, facilities, activities, parking and transport."

2005-06-26T13:42:00.001-07:00

Beck on the way up Scafell Pike. Typical Lakeland landscape, wonderfully unspoilt peace and quiet.

2005-06-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

Great Gable from Scafell Pike

2005-06-26T13:41:00.001-07:00

Great End from Scafell Pike

2005-06-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Looking down to Wasdale from Scafell Pike on the corridoor route.

Moutnain Biking Wales

2005-06-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

Get a great free Mountain Biking guide from the Welsh Tourist Board. Features a run down of all the trails and where to go.

Properties & Events : English Heritage

2005-06-23T03:49:00.000-07:00

Looking for a heritage site or garden to visit, English Heritage have a great site with calandar of events.

The Cloud :: Bosley, Congleton, Cheshire

2005-06-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Stunning views for such little effort. The Cloud is a sandstone prominentary on the south eastern reaches of Cheshire. From the top you can see into Wales, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Greater Manchester. Close by is the town of Congleton. Suitable for taking children and takes about half an hour from the bottom at a leisurely pace along prepared paths.

Lyme Park, Disley, Cheshire

2005-06-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Set in 1400 acres of Moorland and Deer Park, Lyme Park is close to Stockport and Manchester. It is an excellent taste of the country and a welcome break from city life for thousands of visitors.

The Cage and Paddock Cottage are often open to the public for free and are interesting additions to a pleasant walk in varied grounds for free. The gardens are 3 pounds, featuring a well preseved orangery, excellent rose garden and sunken dutch garden.

Most of the grounds are open to the public, they even tollerate mountain bikers which is good to see.

Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport, SK12 2NX.

TravelPod

2005-05-31T03:32:00.000-07:00

Travel Pod is a great source for travel ideas, it has been around for a good while and is packed with inspiration from around the world and closer to home too. Features Free Travel Journals / Travel Blogs / Travel Websites / Travelogues! ( Since 1997 )

The Lakeland Baby Company

2005-05-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

What an excellent idea, rent all terrain prams, baby carriers, baby monitors and much more in the Ambleside area of the English Lake District http://www.thelakelandbabyco.co.uk/

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

2005-05-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Chelsea flower show has been on our to do list for a couple of years. Whilst living in New Zealand until recently, we have watched the BBC coverage enviably from a large distance. This year however, we bought tickets as soon as they came available. Chelsea sells out fast.

A rich variety of horticultural inspiration, Chelsea has something for everyone. Ranging from wildy expensive show gardens to the more modest city gardens, no matter what your gardening taste and budget a day at Chelsea is an opportunity to discover the latest trends or enjoy some old favourites.

The Cancer Research UK Garden

Merrill Lynch Garden

Dairmuid Gavin Garden
He always seems to generate controversy at Chelsea. I felt his garden was more about this than horticulture. Very bland and more talked up than actually good. He can talk the talk but this garden didn't impress me.

Giles Landscapes Wildlife Trust Garden
I loved this garden, especially the way it was aimed at attracting bees and wildlife. The environmentally friendly building was also noteworthy for its' green roof.

Charlie Dymock escapes the 29degrees sunshine. The BBC celebrities were floating around all day, it was fun trying to spot them all.

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire.

2005-05-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

Set amongst hundreds of acres of grass parkland littered with ancient oaks, Blenheim Palace. The gardens are free to any RHS members. It was the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill.

Blenheim is home of the Channel 4 Garden Challenge gardens, an excellent melting pot of ideas to pour over. There are approaching 100 inspiring gardens from the Channel 4 Garden Challenge.

The National Gardens Scheme

2005-05-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

We have just had a wonderful afternoon discovering some hidden gardens in Kerridge, Macclesfield.

We would never have imagined such variety and imaginative horticulture in such a small area. Why not try the same yourself. The National Gardens Scheme coordinate thousands of private gardens open to the public for a day throughout the year. From the humble terraced house to stately homes not normally open to the public, it offers a wonderful opportunity to get behind closed gates and help raise some money for charity too.

2005-05-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Sour Milk Ghylll, Grasmere, in the Lake District is a simple ramble from the village which is both relatively level and rewarding. Taking you through idillic field largely free from roads and car noise too. A suitable introduction to the Lakes for children and adults alike.

Larch Cottage Nurseries :: Melkinthorpe, Cumbria

2005-05-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Without exception, this is my favourite nursery for hardy perenial plants. Such an inspirational atmosphere, with mature examples of most plants spead amongst romanesque ruins and statues. The range of plants are enough to keep even those with the most challenging requirements happy.

After pouring over the plants don't forget to visit the extraordinary cakes in the atmospheric cafe built in a barn conversion featuring stain glass made from whole wine bottles. No visit is complete without a trip the the lavatory, trust me, you will have to go to find out why!

Lach Cottage Nurseries.

Tatton Park in Cheshire

2005-05-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

With over 1000 acres of beatiful parkland, Tatton Park is the perfect day out from Manchester, Warrington or nearby Knutsford. The huge areas of wooded park land are a joy to explore on foot. We encountered several herds of deer enjoying the shade underneath these great trees.

The gardens feature well maintained formal areas at the front of the house, large kitchen gardens, a noteable japanese garden and a traditional beech hedged maze.

For the shopaholic there is an excellent outlet for the estate produce featuring a wide range of fayre from local cheeses to venison steaks.

Tatton Park.

The great british village festival

2005-05-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

A reluctant tiger at the 2005 Bollington Festival Parade. Heart warming stuff as the whole village turned out to either walk in costume or cheer on heartily. There are so many great traditions in England if you keep your eyes open. A great source for ideas is the wonderful Country Living magazine.

Bollington Festival 2005

Visit Yorkshire the official site

2005-05-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for information about Yorkshire including accommodation, events and places to visit YorkshireVisitor.com is the official site for the county.

Days Out UK

2005-05-10T01:07:00.000-07:00

Days Out UK is a superb site if you are hunting for something to do in the UK.

Arighi Bianchi :: Macclesfield

2005-05-04T01:09:00.000-07:00

If you are in the Macclesfield area hunting for a superb cafe, you can do no better than go to Arighi Bianchi. Expect to pay £4 for a slice of cake, but it will be amongst the bet you have ever tasted. Head for the top floor.

Chatsworth House :: Derbyshire

2005-04-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Chatsworth has to be one of the finest stately homes in the UK. Superb gardens, woodland and working kitchen gardens plus of course a wonderful house and miles of estate to explore.

We went in Spring before most of the gardens were in full bloom but it was still an impressive sight. Particularly enjoyed the hedged traditional maze which was actually more difficult than would first appear.

Chatsworth have a packed events calander which includes horse trials and outdoor classical concerts.

Chatsworth House

The Landmark Trust :: Accommodation

2005-04-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for somewhere out of the ordinary to stay in England, The Landmark Trust is a charitable organisation who look after some most impressive historical follies and buildings. It is possible to arrange stays in most of them via their web site.

Great mountain biking site

2005-04-12T02:36:00.000-07:00

Sustrans General

Askham, nr Penrith Cumbria.

2005-01-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

If you are tired of Bowness and Ambleside with crowds and outdoor shops, Askham may be just what you are after. A picture perfect linear village. Eden cottages don't come much cuter than this. With two superb pubs within stumbling distance of each other, many easy walks, a heated outdoor pool in summer you can't help but fall in love with this place.

Lucys on a plate, Ambleside, Cumbria.

2005-01-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

A fine bevy of taste delights. Cafe, excellent unpretentious restraunt and specialist food shop in one. Few places come close to as good as this. A desert fanciers heaven. Floor to ceiling pudding menu and once a month 'Up the duff pudding club'. One of our favourite haunts for years.

Llandanwg Beach

2004-11-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

I have never been to Llandanwg Beach but based on this photograph it is surely a place we should visit.

Mouthwateringly good "virtual cumbria"

2004-11-09T16:02:00.000-08:00

Wasdale head plus 150 other virtual panoramas. Superb!

Wales : in Wales, Wales

2004-11-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

Wales : in Wales, Wales

Origins/Gwreiddiau

2004-11-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

Origins/Gwreiddiau has heaps of inspiring images to get you going to wales.

Places to stay in Wales

2004-11-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

High on Cliffs above Lleyn Peninsula.

Tryfan and the Glyders

2004-11-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

Tryfan and the Glyders are such great mountains, I can't wait to be back!

Lonely Planet Online | The Thorn Tree

2004-10-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

Lonely Planet Online | The Thorn Tree is a great place to discover new destinations.

Late Deals

2004-10-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

Late Deals on the Visit England web-site often has some real bargains.

Castles Northumberland

2004-10-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

Castle lovers heaven ... Northumberland

Places to visit - Farne Islands | The National Trust

2004-10-07T18:30:00.000-07:00

Places to visit - Farne Islands | The National Trust

Puffins!

2004-10-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

Wildlife experience on the Farne Islands

Bamburgh Castle

2004-10-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

Bamburgh Castle

Robin Hoods Bay

2004-10-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

The Yorkshire coast is unexplored territory to me. I have never been tempted until I heard about Robin Hoods Bay which looks to be a wonderful melting pot.

Lindisfarne Castle

2004-10-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

"Perched atop a rocky crag and accessible over a causeway at low tide only, the castle presents an exciting and alluring aspect. Originally a Tudor fort, it was converted into a private house in 1903 by the young Edwin Lutyens. The small rooms are full of intimate decoration and design, with windows looking down upon the charming walled garden planned by Gertrude Jekyll."

Lindisfarne Castle

Seahouses Community Website

2004-10-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

Northumberland looks stunning. Rugged scenery, wildlife and lots of nice villages. I partiularly want to go to Seahouses.

London Eye

2004-10-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

London Eye got to be one of the most impressive new structures in the UK. It is a must when visiting London. You can usually just turn up on spec now and walk on pretty much.

Photographs of Snowdonia

2004-10-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me how people never explore thier own country. Photographs of Snowdonia

The Garden of Wales

2004-10-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

"As a landmark Millennium project, the Garden of Wales links the history of the last millennium with the present. It is set in the former 18th century regency park of Middleton Hall in Carmarthenshire, a 568 acre estate on the edge of the Tywi valley. The Garden enjoys a pollution free environment, spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and a rich cultural heritage."

Maybe not as well publicised as the Eden Project, this garden looks equally worth a look. It surprised me to hear that it was struggling financially, more people support places like these. The Garden of Wales - Visiting the Garden

Things to do - Events directory | The National Trust

2004-09-28T18:13:00.000-07:00

HEaps of things to do ... Things to do - Events directory | The National Trust

Acorn Bank Garden & Watermill :: Cumbria

2004-09-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

The National Trust have literally hundreds of fantastic properties open to the public. Acorn Bank has some excellent herbaceous borders to enjoy. After you have been, if you are inspired to buy some plants, why not visit Larch Cottage Nurseries, who specialise in hardy perenials and to die for cakes too.

Acorn Bank Garden & Watermill

Places to visit | The National Trust

2004-09-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

Stuck for somewhere to go at the weekend in England? Try Places to visit | The National Trust

Bodiam Castle

2004-09-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Bodiam Castle

Go for a walk

2004-09-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

If there was ever a site to make me homesick, this is it go4awalk.com

Djema Al-Fna at dusk

2004-09-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

followben: Morocco ... wow. England is so close to so many amazing places!

Eden Project

2004-09-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Watching from afar we wait eagrely to see for ourselves the wonder which is Eden Project. It is fantastic to see innovation in horticulture. With places like this to visit, why do so many people flock away from England?

Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire Coast

2004-09-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

It is easy to become critical of your country of origin, and to view others as eutopic havens. When we emigrated to New Zealand we still loved our home land, just wanted an adventure. We certainly got one. Heaps to see and new places to explore.

Having lived away for over two years, we are keen to explore our own country more. Some friends of ours sent some photos of Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire Coast. Looks a wonderful place, and on our to do lit :).